Gerunds & infinitives

20 words

1. 1

   look forward to + V-ingphrase (phrasal verb + preposition)

   to be excited about something that will happen; followed by a noun or a gerund (not infinitive).

   “I'm looking forward to meeting your parents next week.”

2. 2

   try + V-ing / try to + Vphrase (structure)

   try + V-ing = attempt something as an experiment; try to + V = make an effort to do something (may be difficult).

   “If you're stressed, try going for a short walk.”

3. 3

   avoid + V-ingverb + gerund

   to stay away from doing something; followed by a noun or gerund rather than an infinitive.

   “To reduce stress, she avoids checking work emails after 8 pm.”

4. 4

   begin / start + V-ing / to + Vverb (structure)

   begin/start can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive with little change in meaning; choice may slightly affect focus (ongoing action vs action as a whole).

   “She began working at the company last year.”

5. 5

   insist on + V-ingphrasal verb + preposition

   to demand something forcefully or say that something must happen; followed by a noun or gerund.

   “She insisted on paying for the meal despite our objections.”

6. 6

   it took + somebody + + time + to + Vstructure

   States how long something required someone to do (how much time someone needed to do something).

   “It took me two hours to write the report.”

7. 7

   would like + to + Vgrammar (phrase frame)

   a polite way to express desire to do or have something

   “I would like to improve my English before university.”

8. 8

   be interested in + V-inggrammar (phrase frame)

   to want to know about or take part in something; to be curious or attracted to an activity

   “I'm interested in studying urban planning at university.”

9. 9

   stop + V-ing (finish an activity) / stop + to + V (pause to do something else)structure

   'Stop + V-ing' = cease an activity; 'stop to + V' = pause one activity in order to do another action.

   “He stopped smoking last year.”

10. 10

    decide + to + Vgrammar (phrase frame)

    to make a choice to do something after thinking about it

    “After much thought, I decided to apply for the scholarship.”

11. 11

    used to + V (past habit)structure

    Describes a habit or state that was true in the past but no longer true now.

    “I used to play football every weekend.”

12. 12

    be used to + V-ing / be used to + nounstructure

    Expresses being accustomed to something (habit or state); follows with a gerund or a noun.

    “I'm used to getting up early.”

13. 13

    can't help + V-inggrammar (phrase frame)

    to be unable to stop yourself doing something; often used for natural reactions or habits

    “I can't help smiling whenever I see puppies.”

14. 14

    hope + to + Vgrammar (phrase frame)

    to want something to happen or be true; expect something in the future

    “I hope to finish my dissertation by September.”

15. 15

    regret + V-ing / regret to + Vverb (structure)

    regret + V-ing = be sorry about something in the past; regret to + V = be sorry to have to do/say something (formal announcement).

    “I regret telling him my secret — it was a mistake.”

16. 16

    remember/forget + V-ing (memory of past) vs remember/forget + to + V (do something)structure

    'V-ing' after remember/forget refers to recalling a past action; 'to + V' refers to remembering/forgetting to perform a future/necessary action.

    “I remember locking the door.”

17. 17

    manage + to + Vgrammar (phrase frame)

    to succeed in doing something, especially something difficult or that took effort

    “Despite the late start, they managed to finish on time.”

18. 18

    prefer + V-ing / prefer to + Vstructure

    Expresses liking one thing more than another; 'prefer + V-ing' for general preferences, 'prefer to + V' often for specific choices or polite statements.

    “I prefer reading to watching TV.”

19. 19

    suggest + V-ing / suggest that + clausemẫu câu

    to offer an idea about what someone should do; often followed by a gerund or a 'that' clause

    “She suggested going to the museum on Saturday.”

20. 20

    promise + to + Vmẫu câu

    to make a firm commitment to do something in the future; followed by a to-infinitive

    “He promised to pay me back next month.”